Beverley has been confirmed as the host town for the start of both the men’s and women’s 2018 Tour de Yorkshire races, news that has been welcomed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Next year’s events have been extended, with the men’s race running for four days from Thursday, 3 to Sunday, 6 May and the Asda Women’s Tour de Yorkshire doubling in size from one to two days – from Thursday, 3 to Friday, 4 May.

Much of the first day of the men’s race, on Thursday, 3 May, will be contested in the East Riding before the peloton heads to the stage finish in Doncaster.

The ceremonial start for the men’s race will take place in Beverley’s Saturday Market before heading out through Norwood to the official start at Tickton.

The riders will then cycle to Catwick and Hornsea, loop around Hornsea Mere, through Great Hatfield, New Ellerby and Skirlaugh back to Beverley, where they go past the Minster and out onto the A164 to Skidby, Little Weighton, Walkington, South Dalton, North Dalton and Warter – where the first King of the Mountain stage will be contested at the Cote de Baggaby Hill.

There will be a sprint in Pocklington then out of the town along the A1079 to Allerthorpe, Seaton Ross, Holme-upon-Spalding-Moor and into Howden where there will be another sprint.

The riders will then pass through Airmyn and onto the A614 through Rawcliffe before crossing into South Yorkshire at Sykehouse, Hatfield and onto Bawtry Road to finish in Doncaster.

The women’s race will have its ceremonial start in Beverley and will largely follow the same route as the men’s race, except for the Hornsea loop, with the official start at Bentley.

Councillor Stephen Parnaby OBE, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Today’s announcement by Welcome to Yorkshire and the Amuary Sports Organisation is really exciting for the East Riding, with Beverley hosting the race starts of both the men’s and women’s editions of the 2018 Tour de Yorkshire.

“Since its inception, the Tour de Yorkshire has passed through a number of different locations over the years and 2018 will be the same – with parts of Holderness, Goole and Howdenshire making their debuts.

“With the event continuing to grow in popularity - attracting 2.2 million spectators in 2017 and generating around £64 million for the county’s economy – it is fantastic for residents to see some of the world’s top cyclists up close and in person as well as a real opportunity for businesses to make the most of increased visitor spend.”